Visions from the new seer Nimren cause unrest among the Faithful of Roeh. Akni is forced to leave the community. Accompanied by Dalom and Yelja, he sets out to find the Sawags, hoping to build a new life and to find answers to his questions about Roeh. They are not very welcome. The Sawags are threatened by the dangerous sylanx and by famine. Moreover, an old adversary crosses Akni's path. Then, when their presence leads to an internal battle between the Sawags, the problems become incalculable.

Will Akni find answers? Can he and his friends help the Sawags? Is there a safe place anywhere in Under-Earth?